Following a Match Review Panel meeting held on 27 June 2013, you are charged with misconduct for a breach of Law 15.1(a) during the above Match.
The Panel reviewed an incident which occurred in approximately the 79th minute of the Match. You were dismissed by the match referee following the incident. In the Panel’s opinion you threw a punch in a violent manner at your opponent who was prone on the floor. The Panel believed that this behaviour was serious misconduct and against the spirit of the game.
In accordance with the RFL’s On Field Sentencing Guidelines, the Panel consider that such offence is a Grade B offence (Strikes – Punching). If found to have committed the offence, again in accordance with the On Field Sentencing Guidelines, the normal suspension range for such offence is from a 1 to a 2 match suspension. In addition the Tribunal has the power to impose such fine as it considers reasonable.
Under the RFL Disciplinary Guidelines you are not eligible to take an Early Guilty Plea due to your previous disciplinary record.

Summary of Player's submissions on the Charge / evidence

Hearing conducted over the telephone with Head Coach Gary Charlton. Player unable to attend due to work commitments. Coach pleads guilty on behalf of player. Player made a strong tackle on the opponent and as he is getting square he a turn back indicating the opponent has nipped his leg. Players emotions were high and he reacted incorrectly and concedes threw a punch at the opponent. The punch was minimal and if it did connect caused no injury as opponent immediately gets to his feet and joins the melee. Player accepts his actions were wrong and apologises. The player has been internally disciplined by the club by being left out of last weekend’s game.

Decision

Guilty plea

Reasons for Decision

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Summary of CM's submissions on the appropriate sanction

No further submissions

Summary of Player's submissions on the appropriate sanction

Guilty plea-apology for his actions-no serious injury caused

Aggravating Factors

Opponent on ground at time of punch

Mitigating Factors

Reasons for Decision

The tribunal are prepared to accept that the opponent in this instance did make contact with this player’s leg after the tackle was made. However the player’s actions in retaliating by punching the opponent whilst he was still on the ground are not acceptable. The tribunal note this player has previous disciplinary matters in 2011 for striking with the elbow and in 2012 for punching. In this instance the tribunal feel the appropriate sanction is a 1 match suspension and a £50 fine.

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